National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Description: The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program offers three-year graduate research fellowships in science, mathematics, and engineering, including Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science awards. Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based masters or doctoral degrees in the mathematical, physical, biological, behavioral and social sciences; engineering; the history of science and the philosophy of science; and to research-based Ph.D. degrees in science education.

Dollar Value: Fellows receive a $30,000 stipend, for 12-month tenures, and a cost-of-education

allowance of $10,500 per tenure year. A $1,000 International Research Travel Allowance is also available under conditions specified in the Guidelines for Submission of Applications. New fellowships offered will be for a maximum tenure periods of three years usable over a five-year period.

Number of Fellowships: Approximately 1000 new three-year fellowships are made annually.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States,

Fellowships are intended for individuals in the early stages of their graduate study. Applicants must have completed no more than twelve months of full-time graduate study at the time of their application.

Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based masters or doctoral degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics supported by the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf06592/nsf06592.htm#study)

The Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science awards are for women who intend to pursue graduate research degrees in Engineering or Computer and Information Science and Engineering. Additional funding for these awards is provided by the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and the Directorate for Engineering. Eligibility and review criteria are the same as for applicants in other fields.

The Fellowships are tenable at any appropriate, accredited non-profit U.S. institution or appropriate international institution of higher education offering advanced degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering.

Application Procedures: All applicants are expected to use NSF's FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) process: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/. With Internet access and a supported World Wide Web browser, an applicant can submit an application electronically using this secure process. Security is provided to ensure that both applications and Reference Report Forms can be accessed only by authorized persons.

Deadline: November 15-22, 2010 depending on field of study

Contact:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

1818 N Street NW, Suite T50

Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 866-673-4737 (toll-free number)

Fax: 202-265-8504

E-mail: infofojnsferfp.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) takes a lot of effort. Is it possible for a candidate to determine eligibility prior to applying?

No, unfortunately, it is not. Eligibility is reviewed on the basis of the contents of the entire submitted application. The text in the Program Announcement is the only official eligibility guidance applicants can receive. Read the Program Announcement closely to be sure the eligibility requirements are interpreted properly. Seek additional advice from mentors, professors, or academic advisors. When deciding to apply, consider the relative qualifications, eligibility concerns, and estimated time investment balanced against the benefits the GRFP provides.

For the GRFP eligibility purposes, do courses currently taking count as complete?

No. Only courses from academic periods that have ended are considered complete for eligibility purposes.

Are candidates in the process of applying for permanent resident alien but not holders of a green card still eligible?

Permanent resident status must be established by the application deadline.

What are the application materials need to submit for the GRFP?

Complete applications include (1) information that must be submitted electronically using NSF's FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship Program application module, (2) Official Academic Transcripts submitted in hard copy to the GRF Operations Center, and (3) three letters of reference submitted electronically using NSF's FastLane Reference Letter submission. GRE scores are optional but recommended.

How can a candidate learn about the types of research projects NSF funds?

Visit the NSF's website fwww.nsf.gov) for information and guidance about current and emerging themes within the NSF directorates (departments). Applicants can review the NSF Guide to Programs at (www.nsf.gov/funding/) as well as the NSF's database of funded projects (awards) at (www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/) for specific funding information. The proposed research can be discussed with mentors, professors, or researchers, who have applied for NSF grants in the applicants' field.

How do candidates apply for the Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science (WECS) awards for the GRFP?

Women who apply in fields listed under Engineering or under Computer and Information Science and Engineering in the Program Announcement (https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/) may be considered for the Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science (WECS) awards. There is no separate application for these awards.

Are the GRE General and Subject Tests required for the GRFP fellowship?

No. While scores from the GRE General and Subject Tests are highly recommended, they are not a requirement for application to this program.

What is FASED and how can candidates apply for it?

FASED stands for Facilitation Awards for Scientists with Disabilities. Details of this program can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/fundjng/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5516.